Senate President Godswill Akpabio says the National Assembly will continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.
Akpabio spoke on Friday when he led a delegation of federal lawmakers to visit Tinubu in Lagos as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
The Senate President said the National Assembly had reviewed obsolete laws and passed major economic legislation as part of efforts to align the country’s legal and economic frameworks with contemporary realities.
Akpabio said some of the laws reviewed dated back to 1901 and 1939, adding that the legislature would continue to expedite bills aimed at transforming the economy.
He cited the passage of four major tax reform laws as evidence of the national assembly’s commitment to supporting Tinubu’s economic agenda.
“You’ve seen the reform in the tax system. Let me use the word economic system, with four major tax laws brought into the country at one time. Very voluminous, all of them,” he said.
“And then, because we’re able to digest them, we’re able to do what we ought to do. And we’re able to pass them in record time with the whole country in agreement.”
Akpabio said lawmakers would continue to match their promises with concrete legislative action and facilitate the appointment and confirmation of individuals expected to contribute to the administration’s programmes.
“On the part of the national assembly, we want to continue to remain worthy partners to the administration of President Bola Tinubu. And we believe that what we are doing is in the interest of all Nigerians,” he stated.
‘THESE REFORMS ARE WORKING’
Akpabio’s remarks came after Tinubu, in his Independence Day broadcast, outlined his administration’s intention to move from economic reforms towards reducing the cost of living and improving Nigerians’ welfare.
The senate president said the national assembly would support policies and legislation aimed at advancing that objective.
He maintained that the reforms were necessary to address longstanding structural problems in Nigeria’s economic and legal systems.
On security, Akpabio said the country had recorded progress, although pockets of insecurity and discontent remained in some areas.
He attributed some of the political tensions to the approaching election season and expressed optimism about the country’s future.
“We believe he’s doing well. These reforms are working and, as far as we are concerned, insecurities are abating, and people are able to sleep well,” he said.
“We still have pockets of discontent here and there because of the fact that this is almost election time.”
The senate president also called for national unity, saying Nigeria’s survival as one country over the past 66 years demonstrated the resilience of its people.
He urged Nigerians to embrace mutual respect and solidarity regardless of their ethnic and religious differences.
“That we are still together shows the resilience of this country. That Nigeria is still one. It shows the resilience of this country. It shows the love that God has for Nigeria,” he said.
Akpabio cited the restoration of Nigeria’s former national anthem as a reflection of the country’s commitment to unity and brotherhood.
He said the national assembly would remain committed to legislation that promotes national cohesion and economic development.
Akpabio was accompanied on the visit by Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, and other federal lawmakers.